So, I don't *disagree* with this, but it's also seems to discount my lived experience as a children's minister.
My worship room is generally a Godly Play space, which is "quiet and contemplative" to any adult eye. But, the report from any kid who leaves my room? "That was fun!"
My worship kids bring their adults to church. They look forward to our time. And it's nothing that is loud or has a lot of movement.
I think it's important to remember that fun can be a lot of ways - that loud with games and laughter is fun, but so is quiet with time to create with openness and wonder. And, in my experience, kids seem to appreciate both kinds of fun
Actually, I also wanted to add, because I think you raise a good point: only some kids like that loud, boisterous type of fun. But often adults prime kids to think they are supposed to like it. So like, if all the adults tell a kid ‘you’re gonna love it you’re gonna love it!’ and then it’s wild/loud/boisterous, a kid will sometimes report to the adult that they had fun, but that might not actually have been the case. Like, that wasn’t that kids type of fun.
(That makes sense? Have you seen this too?)
Point being, that type of thing reinforces the idea of a single type of fun, whereas your experience points out that things like engagement, agency, peer play (which all happen at a lower decibel level) are delightful to children.
Yes, I think that's what I was trying to say - different kids like different fun. And some (maybe most? I don't know) kids like a mix of the "funs" - they don't mind some crazy and loud and they're also content with the quiet and chill fun.
My worship kids are probably pre-disposed to enjoying quieter fun because it's the kind of families we attract. But they also have a ton of fun being crazy and loud during our Wednesday night things and our other, non-Sunday morning activities where we do more movement and loud things. And, in all the fun, God meets them 🙂
Yes—I completely agree that there are different kinds of fun. (Exploring, making, contests, collaborative games…) And it’s not *all fun all the time to get that response you get all the time.
I’m considering getting this book based on your rec — the emphasis on nonviolence would be so helpful! The part that gives me pause though is labeling ppl as “bad guys.” We’re trying (unsuccessfully) to convince our 5yo not to label people as “baddies” and “goodies” — just humans who make harmful choices or kind choices. Does this book challenge that binary? Or do you have other suggestions for age-appropriate approaches to labels?? Thanks!
Brilliant post. I love the quote about play really being the work of childhood- so true. Play is lost in so much of adult life, I think we all benefit from it even when we’re grown!
It's true--it becomes harder to do as we grow, especially when we grow into a culture that centers on maximization/work/status, etc. But we all need it.
Great article. And, seriously, I totally agree that "Faith Stuff Should be Fun!" In fact, I've been creating edifying 'Fantastic Faith' Christian comics with that very same idea in mind (although my comic strip is written for adults as well as kids). Thanks, and Keep up the good work!
You had me at fart cannon. I ordered that book for my 7yo boy who currently hates going to church. 🙌
I also put it on my "to order" list! It will be fun to have one to giggle with!
So, I don't *disagree* with this, but it's also seems to discount my lived experience as a children's minister.
My worship room is generally a Godly Play space, which is "quiet and contemplative" to any adult eye. But, the report from any kid who leaves my room? "That was fun!"
My worship kids bring their adults to church. They look forward to our time. And it's nothing that is loud or has a lot of movement.
I think it's important to remember that fun can be a lot of ways - that loud with games and laughter is fun, but so is quiet with time to create with openness and wonder. And, in my experience, kids seem to appreciate both kinds of fun
Actually, I also wanted to add, because I think you raise a good point: only some kids like that loud, boisterous type of fun. But often adults prime kids to think they are supposed to like it. So like, if all the adults tell a kid ‘you’re gonna love it you’re gonna love it!’ and then it’s wild/loud/boisterous, a kid will sometimes report to the adult that they had fun, but that might not actually have been the case. Like, that wasn’t that kids type of fun.
(That makes sense? Have you seen this too?)
Point being, that type of thing reinforces the idea of a single type of fun, whereas your experience points out that things like engagement, agency, peer play (which all happen at a lower decibel level) are delightful to children.
Yes, I think that's what I was trying to say - different kids like different fun. And some (maybe most? I don't know) kids like a mix of the "funs" - they don't mind some crazy and loud and they're also content with the quiet and chill fun.
My worship kids are probably pre-disposed to enjoying quieter fun because it's the kind of families we attract. But they also have a ton of fun being crazy and loud during our Wednesday night things and our other, non-Sunday morning activities where we do more movement and loud things. And, in all the fun, God meets them 🙂
Yes—I completely agree that there are different kinds of fun. (Exploring, making, contests, collaborative games…) And it’s not *all fun all the time to get that response you get all the time.
I’m considering getting this book based on your rec — the emphasis on nonviolence would be so helpful! The part that gives me pause though is labeling ppl as “bad guys.” We’re trying (unsuccessfully) to convince our 5yo not to label people as “baddies” and “goodies” — just humans who make harmful choices or kind choices. Does this book challenge that binary? Or do you have other suggestions for age-appropriate approaches to labels?? Thanks!
Brilliant post. I love the quote about play really being the work of childhood- so true. Play is lost in so much of adult life, I think we all benefit from it even when we’re grown!
It's true--it becomes harder to do as we grow, especially when we grow into a culture that centers on maximization/work/status, etc. But we all need it.
Great article. And, seriously, I totally agree that "Faith Stuff Should be Fun!" In fact, I've been creating edifying 'Fantastic Faith' Christian comics with that very same idea in mind (although my comic strip is written for adults as well as kids). Thanks, and Keep up the good work!
https://fantasticfaith.substack.com